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> RAF Bases
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Alma Park
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Heath
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Boston Wyberton Fen
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Woodhall Spa
Updated: 6 Oct 08
Opened: <=1916 as RNAS Freiston Shores
Closed: 1920
Airfield code:
Units base here:
RNAS Armament Training School :: - 1 Apr 1918
redesignated
No 4 School of Aerial Fighting :: 1 Apr 1918 - 1920
redesignated
4 Fighting School
Freiston served as an RNAS base during the Great War, closing in 1920. During the Great War, hundreds of pilots learnt to fly here.
Freiston airfield came into being when 90 acres of land were requisitioned early in the war. The aerodrome served initially to finish the final two weeks of training for officers on the advanced flying course at Cranwell.
Freiston was located near the sea bank and offered a take-off and landing area measuring 500 yards by 500. During the War the role of the airfield grew causing the site to be extended twice, with permanent buildings including hangars, accommodation and a control tower being built.
Freiston churchyard houses three Commonwealth War Graves in honour of three Second Lieutenants, all Canadians serving with the RAF at Freiston when they died. John William Dowling was 21, from Vancouver, and had trained as a lawyer. John Freele Meek, from Ontario, had graduated in political science before volunteering for service. And Edward Lambert Bach, 21, came from Toronto. All three died in accidents near the airfield while flying Sopwith Camels.
Captain Alfred Williams Carter was Officer Commanding, Detached Flight, Freiston Air Station, awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on the Western Front serving with, among others, 210 Sqn.
An excellent book - The Freiston Aviators, by Chris Howard and Alastair Goodrum, ISBN 0-9526507-1-1, price £2.95 from Oldrids, Johnsons Garden Centre, Ottakar’s, Coningsby Bookshop and East Kirkby Aviation Heritage Centre. £1 from each purchase will go to the Air Ambulance.
Blackwells Bookshop
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